With two boys in the house, one who’s constantly on the move and the other who’s glued to my hip, I don’t have much time or space to set up photo shoots these days. Still, I need to practice.
I’ve mentioned before how much I love photo assignments and prompts. They’re like warm-up exercises for capturing whatever comes to mind without over thinking or being critical of images and ideas. Simply notice and capture.
On Saturday morning, before basketball practice and another morning nap, I managed to carve out creative time for myself in the midst of chaos. It was that gray in between hour usually reserved for house sprints then snack time followed by I’m bored and I need something to do so I’m going to bounce off the walls because it’s winter and I want to go outside and play time.
So yeah, in the middle of all that, I squeezed in a short photo assignment that my five year-old loved and my four month-old slept through.
The assignment:
One, use a smartphone.
Two, complete the assignment in ten minutes.
Three, set the smartphone timer and shoot a photo a minute.
Four, tell a story about the morning in ten frames.
The shoot:
The end:
Assignment completed. We went back to block building and baby bouncing. Without assignments or deadlines, I get little accomplished during the day. What about you, do you like using photo assignments/prompts in your regular practice?
Nikki | Art & Lemons
I like this! I have a black and white film in a new (old) camera that needs finishing and I’ve taken too long looking for ‘that shot’…I’m going to do this and finish the film.
Nathan,
Yes, this prompt would be great on film. Would love to see how your photos turn out. Drop them in the Mortal Muses Film Friday flickr pool if you like…
I adore the bw treatment here! And the story you told….Which app has this filter? GREAT job, you nailed the assignment.
Thanks Jamie, I used VSCO’s bw filter.
A wonderful plan. I just got to a new place and it takes awhile to assess the scenery. This way I am going to just jump start.
Radish, Sounds like it’s time for a photo walk, my favorite way to get to know a place. Yes, that baby!! Although I am a wee bit biased.
PS. Great to meet new baby.
What a fantastic idea and look at those brilliant results too! More please!
Thanks Kirstin!
this is great! a whole new way to kickstart my brain. thank you for this!
Dawn, Glad you like the idea. Hope to see your pics if you try the prompt!
gorgeous shots!!! i want to say that i welcome the idea of assignments, but often i start to freeze up and over think–but when i allow myself to just “do it” i find i gain tons of insight and i am often happy with the results. you are encouraging me to try this!!!!
Thanks Linda! I know assignments aren’t for everyone but I too like what happens when I spontaneously jump in (turn my inner critic off of course) and edit after the shoot.I also learn a lot in the process since I’m usually seeing something in a new way. Hope you give it a shot.
Great images and prompt! I might try this!
Thanks Staci Lee! Drop them in the flickr pool if you do…
Nikki ~ Glad you’re able to carve out time for photography during those wild, hectic, delicious days of raising a young family! Your son held high is a charming classic; something all parents can relate to.
Lately, I’ve been working with some photography prompts of sorts, as I’m developing an online photography course and a beading book proposal that incorporates my photography and jewelry designs. Busy and exciting times 🙂
P.S. thanks for the writing book list that you gave me. I’m enjoying them!
Hi Anna,
It’s definitely a challenge to find creative time with two little ones. I can’t say we have the neatest house…
Sounds like you’re busy too with your projects in the works. I’m also developing an online photo course that includes 31 days of 10 minute prompts. Are you posting about your course?
Glad you enjoyed the book list!
I love how you’re keeping yourself on track! Fantastic idea and beautiful images. Keep those ideas coming 😉
Thanks Holly, I’m working on it 😉
What a great idea. A 10 in 10 is on my project to do list.
Carolin,
Mine too, I plan on doing it again soon…
What a great idea to get your photography into a busy day. I love your shots and the story they tell.
Judy,
Thanks, I feel like assignments like these are the only way to get anything done lately…